For many long years, the people of Russia have suffered under the heavy and despotic hand of Tsar Paul I. There has been so much oppression that no one dared to plot against the regime. Until one night in the month of October 1801, when Count Pahlen, the Governor of St Petersburg and Captain of Tsar Paul I's bodyguard, has summoned several powerful noblemen of Russia to meet with him. When all are present the count speaks, holding in his hand the famous diamond medallion of the founder of Russia, Peter the Great.